Bouches-du-Rhône en Paysages - Balade douce à Rognonas

The landscapes of the Bouches-du-Rhône are one of the strongest attractions of the territory. In 2014, the department was awarded the national "Département Fleuri" label, a mark of quality hospitality that rewards actions to improve the living environment for all. To discover these multiple landscapes, Bouches-du-Rhône Tourisme offers you a selection of discovery itineraries. Along these routes, discover our towns and villages, our streets and alleys: well-known landscapes or hidden nuggets, they could be the ones we take when we want to show our friends our favourite sites. A peaceful little Provencal village at the gateway to Provence, between the Alpilles and the Durance, in the heart of a rich agricultural region of 500 hectares thanks to its proximity to the confluence of the Rhône and the Durance. The farms are fed by irrigation canals which have two objectives for the commune: the maintenance of agriculture and the improvement of the living environment for its inhabitants, to discover the biodiversity of the commune. We propose you to discover the most beautiful corners of Rognonas through this family and country walk to meet the heritage and biodiversity of the town. - The starting point of this itinerary is opposite the town hall, on the Place Jeanne d'Arc. We are on the square in front of the church where the presbytery dating from 1873 is also located. A statue of Joan of Arc on her cast iron horse inaugurated in 1924 is located on this square. This representation of Joan of Arc on a war memorial is unique in Provence and there are only two others in France, one in Alsace, the other in Lorraine. Go down the Avenue de la Libération for 300 meters. - You will arrive at the old ice-cream parlour dating from the 19th century, which has been transformed into a musical space called "La clef des arts". Push the door of this space to discover Provencal musical instruments and historical photographs of this place. - Continue for 150 meters to reach the Jardin de la Vierge. Jardin de la Vierge, which was renovated in 2012. This monument dates from 1876 and was the first cemetery in Rognonas. Enclosed by a wrought iron gate, a statue of the Virgin of Lourdes was raised in the center on a two-meter high base. Today, it is used as a garden and decorates our village. Go to the left of the garden then cross the boulevard of the old market to reach the place of the Virgin. Go back up the boulevard de Verdun through the shared space to Number 2 (Alpilles Durance private school) - You can see here a levelling point set up by the IGN (national geographic institute). Rognonas has many altimetric points. A levelling marker is a materialized point whose altitude is determined with precision. - At the roundabout, turn left onto Avenue du Général De Gaulle as far as No. 40 Restaurant de la Mer. Going back on your steps, ... - You will be able to appreciate a general view of the village and its bell tower. The church dates from 1750 and its bell tower was renovated in 1932 because it was in danger of collapsing. The boulevard du Général de Gaulle, on which you are located, was a strong axis of automobile traffic. This axis, which was difficult to cross on foot or by bicycle, given the density of the traffic, has been reclassified. It is now a great place for gentle travel to discover the town in complete serenity. - Go back down the avenue Général De Gaulle to the roundabout of the Alpilles Durance school, continue along the avenue des écoles to the MJC, turn left and continue 200 metres to the market square. A beautiful fountain has been installed in the centre of the market square. The column is decorated with faces representing the 4 stages of life: - In the east childhood - In the south the youth - In the north, adulthood - In the west, old age Walk 200 metres south to the entrance of the leisure park which is next to a residential home. Enter through the large gate. This Leisure Park, inaugurated in May 2013 which is established on more than 4 hectares. - To get there, you will go along a roubine, a small canal used for irrigation, which is a mark of this agricultural area. This leisure area has an athletics track, a synthetic and grassy pitch, a fitness trail and a Mediterranean garden. It is also a refuge for the League for the Protection of Birds. 80 species have been counted, including 45 insects, some of which are protected. Facilities have been made to preserve the ecosystem: nesting boxes, insect hotel, canal exit ramp, local aromatic plants. An educational trail will explain the local botanical species and their specificities. This park adjoins the Oléon estate where you will find century-old plane trees and a statue of Saint Joseph visible from the park. After visiting the park, leave through the gate next to the skate park which leads to the Oléon alley next to the gym. Take the allée d' Oléon until the crossing of the avenue de Lattre de Tassigny. - You arrive at the Jubilee Cross erected on April 28, 1851 in honor of the proclamation of the Jubilee (joy) for the whole year. Turn right into the Place Charles Gontier and continue to return to the town hall. It dates from 1841, but was rebuilt in 1974. In front of the town hall, there is a fountain and a 20-ton public weight for the old vegetable market.